A drawing created by Yayoi Kusama in 2000 was successfully auctioned by Bonhams Hong Kong for 21 million HKD (approximately 2.69 million USD). In the drawing, the artist placed the pumpkin at the center, with a meticulously drawn mesh pattern behind it, creating a sense of undulating surface with continuous rhythm.

Late march, several of Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin artworks were auctioned for millions of Hong Kong dollars (HKD) in Hong Kong, further expanding her list of high-value pieces with the same theme in the market.

All these creations are titled "Pumpkin". The sculpture pictured here fetched 49.7 million HKD at a Sotheby's event. Kusama created this "pumpkin" in 2015, using her signature yellow and black colors. She engraved uneven polka dot patterns onto its surface. Standing over two meters tall, the artwork is considered emblematic of her artistic career.

Another painting was hammered down for 39.5 million HKD (approximately 5.05 million USD) at Christie's Hong Kong. This acrylic on canvas piece was created in 1993.

Pumpkins are a prevalent theme throughout Yayoi Kusama's artistic career. In her autobiography, she recounts seeing them for the first time as an elementary student, during a visit to a seed harvesting area with her grandfather. There, a pumpkin as large as a human head captivated her, leading the artist to imagine conversing with the gourd.

The artwork "Pumpkin (8)" achieved seven million HKD (approximately 0.9 million USD) at a Sotheby's Hong Kong session. In an interview, Kusama expressed her passion for pumpkins, saying they resemble humans and she appreciates the warmth they evoke. She stated she is fascinated by their form. The artist once remarked, "It is because of pumpkins that I continue to live."

Another drawing sold for over 3.9 million HKD (approximately 0.5 million USD) at a Christie's Hong Kong event.

Yayoi Kusama was born in 1929 into a well-off family, though her childhood was not easy. Her mother opposed her artistic aspirations, and she witnessed her father's infidelity. This childhood trauma led to hallucinations from age 10. As an adult, she channeled her condition into creative inspiration, becoming known for her polka dot style.

At a Bonhams Hong Kong auction, a painting was sold for approximately 2.5 million HKD (approximately 0.32 million USD).

In her youth, Kusama faced gender prejudice in her home country. Unappreciated by the domestic art scene, she moved to the United States in 1958. During her more than 10 years abroad, she created numerous works, including the famous Infinity Nets series, and organized several art exhibitions conveying social messages. According to Artnews, Yayoi Kusama is recognized as one of Japan's most important living artists, with a global impact on contemporary art. In 2006, she received the State Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Phuong Linh

Photos: Sotheby's, Christie's, Bonhams